Facing a perilous political environment that has left the House Democratic majority in jeopardy, Van Hollen told reporters in a briefing at the National Press Club that the party faces a series of difficult decisions about which candidates to invest in this fall — and whom to leave behind.

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“At the end of the day, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee will look at races we can win,” Van Hollen said.

The Maryland congressman explained that the committee would take a close read of polling and candidate fundraising “so we can make a determination about whether or not those campaigns can be successful.”

The House Democratic campaign arm holds a $14 million cash advantage over the National Republican Congressional Committee. But the Democrats will need to spread their dollars far and wide to defend their seats — of the 60 districts targeted for advertising by the DCCC, 54 are held by Democrats.

Van Hollen’s remarks came amid growing concern among party officials that the House Democrats are in danger of seeing their 39-seat advantage erased this fall.

“It’s very clear that Democrats will retain a majority in the House,” he said, noting that Republicans had boasted of victory prior to recent special elections in New York and Pennsylvania, only to fall short. “It’s a premature victory celebration.”

While highlighting the Democratic cash lead, Van Hollen also pointed to a series of victories by tea party-inspired candidates over establishment favorites in GOP primaries — most notably in Arizona’s 8th District, where military veteran Jesse Kelly defeated former state Sen. Jonathan Paton.

“The Republican candidates are out of step in these districts,” he said.

Still, Van Hollen acknowledged his party’s challenges.

He also indicated that Democratic leaders had given vulnerable members permission to distance — and in some cases outright criticize — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in campaign ads, as Indiana Rep. Joe Donnelly, Pennsylvania Rep. Jason Altmire and North Carolina Rep. Mike McIntyre all have done.

“I think the Democratic leaders have said the job of the members is to reflect the views of their constituents as best as they are able,” he said.